Planning Spooky 2026

It's time to start planning your next years spooky adventure.  Since this spooky season has passed, I figured it would be a great time to talk about America’s “spookiest” place to travel to, Salem, Massachusetts. I did not make it to Salem in the month of October, but I still loved every part of it. This coastal city has so much to explore, and I did it all within 2 days.

What did my itinerary look like? I landed in Massachusetts on a Monday morning, and dropped my bags off at Hotel Salem. This hotel was conveniently placed in the middle of Essex street, which is the “main street”. I went to look for some coffee, and landed at Blackcraft Coffee. In the back of a gift shop, under the biggest flying witch in town, and right next to a haunted house that runs all year long, was one of the best coffees I have had. I got the Slasher S’mores Latte, off their Summerween menu. Then I googled what to do next, and Salem’s website had a self led walking tour that walked past multiple witch houses, judges houses, the famous Hocus Pocus house and so much more. I made my way to Salem Witch Museum and experienced the immersive presentation. After my tour, I went to Dire Wolf Tavern and enjoyed sushi, loaded tots, and a drink. I went back to my hotel for the night and enjoyed watching TV in my micro room to rest up for my next day.

My second day consisted of walking to Wolf Next Door Coffee, purely for the name. I got a lavender lemonade and walked back towards my hotel. I stopped at the Salem Harbor and watched sail boats coming in and out of the dock for a while. I stopped at The House of The Seven Gables, I paid $12 to see the gardens & grounds experience. It was beautiful, and had a couple options to look inside houses. I ate lunch at Witchside Tavern. A good burger with fries, a great book, sitting on their patio, made a perfect relaxing afternoon. I ended the day with ice cream from Whimsy’s and a haunted walking tour guided by locals.

Overall, if any of my friends ask me to go back with them, my answer will always be a quick- YES! I loved the atmosphere, the walking parts, and how close it was to water. It’s a cute coastal city that still has the feel of Halloweentown, even though it wasn’t October. The spooky charm this city lives and breathes is truly haunting, in a good way. Hopefully this is your sign to plan a trip to Salem, Massachusetts next October.